This column is part of a series for Progress 2016. We ask the question: "Is it OK to be optimistic?"

In calendar year 2015, Battle Creek Unlimited staff created 367 new jobs and over $166 million in new investment, plus recommitting to our partners at the City and continuing to act as an agent for the Battle Creek Tax Increment Finance Authority whose continued long-term economic development strategy makes Battle Creek highly attractive in the economic development arena.

In 2016, the BCU team is leading projects that are proposed to create 298 new jobs and over $46 million in new investment here in Battle Creek.

Battle Creek Unlimited along with its partners in education, training, municipal administration and human service agencies have made responsible investments with an eye to the future growth and success of our community. These include Battle Creek Tax Increment Finance Authority investments of over $1.4 million into the RMTC, a road widening and improvement public infrastructure investment in the Fort Custer Industrial Park, blight elimination and land development as well as training and relocation incentives to encourage locating and expanding here in Battle Creek. Battle Creek Unlimited is proud to be a participant with our partners in the EDGE Program which focuses on employment of individuals who have faced economic and employment challenges in some way.

You may have seen the announcement that the Michigan Air National Guard was one of the four units nationwide selected in December to host the new 71 person Cyber Security Protection Team.

We are excited for this new opportunity and it will hopefully be just the beginning for a much larger Cyber workforce in the region. It is our understanding that the new mission will now stand up sooner than initially planned (April) and that the Michigan Guard has already been very involved in defending the State networks from significant attacks over the past few weeks.

To sustain this momentum, BCU plans to continue its strategic focus around business expansion, attraction and retention and doing all we can to help local businesses to grow and succeed. In doing so, BCU confidentially connects Battle Creek companies or prospects with resources including opportunities and incentives with Michigan Works, State, City and Federal programs.

Battle Creek Unlimited is leading the effort to connect Battle Creek companies with a network of new opportunities. The Pure Michigan Business Connect program, which has generated $2 billion in new business for Michigan companies since it began in 2011, will be holding a B2B Summit in our region on May 3rd. Any Michigan company can register here for free.

BCU will be actively seeking Battle Creek companies to participate - both buyers and suppliers.

As I look back on the astounding work of my predecessors, take stock of our current strategic activities, and lead the incredible team of excited, experienced, innovative collaborators we have today, I am absolutely optimistic about the future of Battle Creek.

We can only be optimistic.

Marie Briganti is the president and CEO of Battle Creek Unlimited and a member of the BC Vision Steering Committee.